What is the Recovery Time after Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure. While cataract surgery recovery time can vary from person to person, it usually involves few complications and a smooth healing process. By replacing the natural clouded lens with an artificial one, cataract surgery aims to restore vision without the risk of a cataract returning. 

As per research, approximately 9 out of 10 people have better vision after cataract surgery. However, everyone (and every eye) is different; therefore, the full cataract surgery recovery time can vary from person to person.

Mostly, people feel that their eye has stabilised and their vision restored four to six weeks after the cataract surgery. For others, complete recovery can take up to three months. The factors affecting cataract surgery recovery time include age, gender, other eye conditions, following post-operative instructions, etc. 

The first few weeks of home care are vital to a quick recovery. You might witness clear vision as quickly as several hours after the surgery, and your eye will probably begin to feel better in one to two days. But you may still need to follow instructions from your provider to ensure complete recovery. Make sure to have someone ride you home after the surgery, as you cannot drive yourself.

The following is a general cataract surgery recovery timeline that you might experience after the operation:

1-3 days

During the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, you will probably experience pain, grittiness, watering, blurred vision, double vision, or a red or bloodshot eye. Furthermore, you may have a sensation of having a foreign body in your eye. This can lead to itching. However, do not rub or scratch your eye.

A day after the surgery, your eye doctor will schedule an eye exam to ensure no complications. This will help the doctor evaluate your vision and determine the course of medication.

1-2 weeks

You will be able to see more clearly, no longer experience pain or itchiness, and have decreased inflammation. It is important to clean your eyes twice daily during the first two weeks of recovery. Why? Because the eye drops and the healing process can cause slight stickiness.

You will undergo a second eye exam one to two weeks after the surgery. If you still experience these issues at the time of the second eye exam, inform your optometrist immediately. During this visit, the optometrist will determine if you need to continue antibiotic eye drops. Moreover, they will reduce the use of steroid eye drops.

One month and more

By the end of the first month after surgery, your eye will return to normal with much clearer vision, though you might still have some blurry vision. Furthermore, you will no longer experience pain or inflammation and be able to perform moderate activities and exercises.

After the second visit, the optometrist may schedule one or two eye exams between four to eight weeks after the surgery. These eye examinations will help finalise medications and clear you for several other activities.

Cataract surgery takes approximately 15-20 minutes. After the operation, the doctor will provide homecare instructions to protect your eye during recovery. These measures can also help you minimise your cataract surgery recovery time. As you heal from the cataract surgery, make sure to do the following:

Use prescription eye drops as prescribed

After the procedure, your optometrist or surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to avoid infection and steroid eye drops for inflammation. To reduce the feeling of scratchiness (a common occurrence in the first few months after the cataract surgery), the doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops for three to four months post-surgery.

Rest as needed

As with any other surgery, it is important to allow your body some time to recover after cataract surgery. You should avoid household work or strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure.

But how many days of rest are required after an eye operation? Taking one to three days off from work can help you get enough time to rest.

Protect your eyes from contamination

Your eye is more susceptible to injury and infection when it heals. Therefore, you should avoid any activity that can cause trauma to your eyes, such as playing contact sports or going outside on a windy day.

Furthermore, you should wear glasses or an eye shield at night and while washing your hair.

Wear a protective shield on your eye while sleeping

The doctor will provide you with a protective eye shield, eye patch, or an ocular bandage to avoid rubbing your eye or causing an injury to the eye while sleeping. Wear this protective shield for at least a week after the surgery. Additionally, if you are a side sleeper, sleep on the non-operative side to avoid applying pressure as the eye heals.

Take pain medications if needed

If you experience discomfort when you get home after the surgery, you can take a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol.

New Glass with changed power

The power of your pre-existing spectacles may not be right for you after the cataract surgery. Because the power of your operated eye changes after the procedure. The change in power also depends on the type of artificial lens used to replace the natural clouded lens.

Usually, the cataract operation recovery time is about one month, at the end of which the eye power in the operated eye stabilises. Therefore, new power for glasses is prescribed one month after cataract surgery.

While recovering from cataract surgery, you should avoid the following activities until your doctor says otherwise:

1. Driving for a few days
2. Participating in strenuous activities and heavy lifting for two weeks
3. Bending over or putting extra pressure on the eye immediately after the procedure
4. Getting soap or water in your eyes during baths or showers
5. Swimming and using hot tubs for four to six weeks
6. Touching your eyes
7. Wearing eye makeup for a week or two
8. Use face creams and lotions
9. Dusting or gardening
10. Try not to sneeze or vomit

After undergoing surgery for a cataract, it is essential to eat nutritional supplements that help quick recovery and limit complications. The foods that you should include in your diet during cataract surgery recovery time include:

1. Protein-rich foods (regenerate eye tissue): Seafood, beef, chicken, pork, milk, eggs, grains, etc.
2. Foods rich in fat (reduce inflammation): Nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, almonds, etc.
3. Foods rich in Omega 3 (improve vision): Tuna, salmon, mackerel, etc.
4. Starchy foods (provide energy and heal wounds): Whole grains, rice, legumes, oats, sweet potatoes, etc.

Foods that you must avoid after cataract surgery include:

1. High-sugar foods (slows down the recovery process and wound healing): Soft drinks, cakes, chocolates, etc.
2. Spicy foods (risk of recurrent cataracts): Chillies, peppers, and food containing many spices

Although cataract surgery is a safe procedure, it can sometimes cause side effects for which you should keep an eye out. Call your eye doctor if you experience the following:

1. Signs of infection
2. Increased redness or pain
3. Increased light sensitivity
4. Decreased vision

When complications arise, they need to be addressed immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

1. A dark curtain obstructing vision
2. Sudden flashes of light
3. Eye pain that does not improve with medicines
4. Shadows in your peripheral vision
5. Severe red eyes
6. Vision loss

Most people who undergo cataract surgery experience an improvement in vision afterwards. It is a safe and effective procedure with a relatively short recovery time. As your eyes go through the recovery period after the operation, you should do everything that helps the process go smoothly.

While the cataract surgery recovery time varies from person to person, it usually takes four to six weeks for the eye’s tissues to stabilise. Follow your optometrist’s instructions to minimise your recovery time and reduce the risk of complications.